Multi-million pound growth

Following the announcement of the roll-out of a new full fibre network by Bondholder CityFibre, Derby is set for a £510m windfall, a study shows.

Economic consultancy Regeneris examined how the economy is likely to benefit from near-universal full fibre connectivity, quantifying the impact in the city over a 15-year period.

Results show Derby’s homeowners and the wider property market can expect a welcome boost of £70m in real terms value, as access to reliable, high-speed broadband becomes ever-more critical to house buyers.

The city’s business community stands to benefit enormously as well. Access to gigabit-speed full fibre connectivity could unlock £39m in business productivity and innovation. With full fibre, companies will be able to develop and promote new, richer products and services online and benefit from greater exposure to the international marketplace.

Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next-generation broadband services, and TalkTalk is expected to join the network soon.

Dominika Walker, CityFibre’s city manager for Derby said: “With a new full fibre network being built beneath its streets, Derby is a forerunner of digital transformation in the UK. This report demonstrates that the city is set to enjoy huge economic benefits as a result of this roll-out. This is about more than just broadband, it is about the digital infrastructure set to power our economy for decades to come.”

As key workers, CityFibre has been asked by the UK Government to continue to expand the nation’s digital capacity. Construction is set to begin this spring.

To find out more about CityFibre’s Gigabit City roll-out, click here. Residents interested in full fibre broadband can pre-register interest with CityFibre and will receive information when services are available. More details here.